Discovering modes of transport in Antananarivo (Madagascar): The taxi-be

Follow Jean-Jacques Helluin, Executive Director of Codatu, in a series of videos dedicated to the different ways of getting around the Malagasy capital. In this third episode, he introduces us to the Taxi-Be, paratransit by minibus.

The Taxi-Be is by far the main mode of motorised transport in Antananarivo, accounting for nearly 70% of modal share (source: PMUD 2024). Around 7,000 minibuses (Sprinter, Mazda, etc.) operate daily on around 100 routes, carrying nearly 1.5 million passengers.

However, this system is currently fragile: congestion significantly reduces commercial speed, there are no reserved lanes, and competition from alternative modes of transport (walking, motorcycle taxis, bicycle taxis, etc.) is increasing.

In response, the Zotra Fitaratra pilot line, on which Codatu is supporting the Ministry of Transport, aims to modernise the Taxi-Be: an innovative project, supported by the AFD – Agence Française de Développement, for a more profitable service for operators and a more satisfying one for users.

Stay tuned! Next episode: the motorcycle taxi.

Enjoy! (in French)